Patient out-of-pocket costs for cannabis use during cancer treatment Journal Article


Authors: Lapen, K.; Meza, A. M.; Dee, E. C.; Mao, J. J.; Raghunathan, N. J.; Jinna, S.; Brens, J.; Korenstein, D.; Furberg-Barnes, H.; Salz, T.; Chino, F.
Article Title: Patient out-of-pocket costs for cannabis use during cancer treatment
Abstract: Background: We assessed patient costs associated with cannabis use during cancer treatment. Methods: Adults treated for cancer at a large, comprehensive center completed an anonymous survey regarding their thoughts and experiences with cannabis and cancer. Bivariate and weighted multivariable logistic regression assessed clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with patient-reported out-of-pocket costs for cannabis products. Results: Overall, 248 cannabis users provided data on cost and were analyzed. Median monthly out-of-pocket cost for cannabis was $80 (interquartile range = $25-$150). On regression analysis, male gender (odds ratio = 2.5, 95% confidence interval = 1.2 to 5.5, P = .026) and being 45 years of age or older (odds ratio = 7.5, 95% confidence interval = 1.9 to 30.0, P = .0042) were associated with spending $100 a month or more on cannabis. Of the 166 patients who stopped using cannabis early or used less than preferred, 28% attributed it to cost and 26% to lack of insurance coverage. Conclusion: Cannabis use during cancer treatment may contribute to significant out-of-pocket costs, with men and younger patients more likely to pay higher costs. © The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.
Keywords: adult; controlled study; aged; major clinical study; clinical feature; cancer diagnosis; health survey; cancer therapy; drug cost; health insurance; new jersey; new york; certification; income; connecticut; cannabis; human; male; female; article; sociodemographics; malignant neoplasm; cannabis use; retail outlet
Journal Title: Journal of the National Cancer Institute - Monographs
Volume: 2024
Issue: 66
ISSN: 1052-6773
Publisher: Oxford University Press  
Date Published: 2024-08-01
Start Page: 305
End Page: 312
Language: English
DOI: 10.1093/jncimonographs/lgad030
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC11303855
PUBMED: 39108238
DOI/URL:
Notes: The MSK Cancer Center Support Grant (P30 CA008748) is acknowledge in the PDF -- Corresponding authors is MSK author: Fumiko Chino -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Talya Salz
    68 Salz
  2. Jun J Mao
    244 Mao
  3. Fumiko Chino
    223 Chino
  4. Kaitlyn Ann Lapen
    38 Lapen
  5. Akriti Mishra
    26 Mishra
  6. Sankeerth Jinna
    14 Jinna
  7. Edward Christopher Dee
    260 Dee